"While working the Falls Prevention event today I met the most wonderful member. Carolyn is 75 years old and a huge champion for the Y. She was very active in her life enjoying activities such as cycling. She was also a professional ballroom dancer. About 3 years ago she had a few falls which resulted in a major hip injury and 2 small fractures. After months of therapy she got back on her feet and tried out the Y on a 5 day pass. She joined after just one workout and now comes here just about every day for barre, Pilates, yoga, stationary bikes and more. She says ’the Y saved her life’ as she feels and looks amazing.
In addition to her own health and wellness she is the full time caregiver to her 96 year old mother. She also has two children and two grandchildren. Her story and the way she tells it is so inspirational!!"
Thanks to Christine Hickey at the Y in Arnold for contributing this story and thanks to all Y associates and our many Healthy Living Partners across the region, including University of Maryland Baltimore Washington and St. Joseph Medical Centers, LifeBridge Carroll Hospital Center, and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, all of whom helped us host Falls Prevention Days at our Ys demonstrating how an active and healthy lifestyle can help prevent fall-related injuries. Thanks also to all of the other health and well-being partners who participated (Pivot Physical Therapy, Giant Foods, Charm City Run to name just a few). The morning of activities, classes, screenings and more engaged senior adults in moving and learning how to prevent falls, and was free to the entire community.
Given the serious implications of falls, especially among older adults (every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall and falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults), we can hardly imagine a more important topic to promote.
Well done, team Y and all our outstanding Healthy Living Partners across the region that made this important day of information, awareness and activity possible.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland